Va. Beach Still Looking to Lure NBA Team With Temporary Richmond Home

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NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Virginia Beach’s economic development director says if an NBA team relocates to Virginia Beach it could temporarily play in Richmond.

The city is mulling whether to build an 18,500 seat at the oceanfront in order to bring an unidentified pro sports franchise to town. A likely target for relocation would be the Sacramento Kings.

Virginia Beach officials anticipate a new $300 million arena could be ready in 2015, but a team that relocates would need to play in smaller venues for the next two seasons.

Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren Harris told city council members on Tuesday that Richmond is a possible venue location. The Richmond Coliseum seats about 12,000 people for basketball. Arenas closer to Virginia Beach in Norfolk and Hampton seat between 8,600 and 10,600 people.